What does Elizabeth mean and where does it come from?
Elizabeth comes from the Hebrew name אֱלִישֶׁבַע (Elisheva), meaning 'God is my oath'. The name has been popular since the Middle Ages, particularly in England, due in part to its association with Queen Elizabeth I. Famous bearers include numerous queens and saints, including Elizabeth II of the Uni
Cultural significance
Elizabeth has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god is my oath.
Peak popularity
Reached #3 in 1887 — currently #15 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Elizabeth?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Elizabeth?
Elizabeth works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Elizabeth Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Elizabeth Rose
Floral · soft ending
Elizabeth Mae
Sweet · timeless
Elizabeth Claire
French influence · crisp
Elizabeth Jane
Literary · strong
Elizabeth Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Elizabeth right now?
Holding steady — currently #15 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #15 | 6,600 | stable · -6% births |
| 2022 | #15 | 7,014 | ▼ down 1 · -3% births |
| 2021 | #14 | 7,261 | ▲ up 2 · +1% births |
| 2020 | #16 | 7,216 | ▼ down 3 · -26% births |
| 2015 | #13 | 9,730 | ▼ down 1 · -5% births |
| 2010 | #12 | 10,262 | ▼ down 1 · -19% births |
| 2005 | #11 | 12,731 | ▼ down 2 · -16% births |
| 2000 | #9 | 15,099 | ▲ up 1 · -7% births |
| 1995 | #10 | 16,185 | ▼ down 1 · -22% births |
| 1990 | #9 | 20,744 | stable · +1% births |
| 1985 | #9 | 20,541 | stable · +5% births |
| 1980 | #9 | 19,528 | ▲ up 6 · +57% births |
| 1975 | #15 | 12,473 | ▲ up 3 · -18% births |
| 1970 | #18 | 15,119 | ▼ down 2 · -7% births |
| 1965 | #16 | 16,320 | — |
The story of Elizabeth
Elizabeth has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #3 in 1887, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 1659K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Elizabeth is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Elizabeth in 1887:
Elizabeth by decade
Elizabeth peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 25,113 | |
| 1890s | 33,995 | |
| 1900s | 41,843 | |
| 1910s | 117,074 | |
| 1920s | 140,108 | |
| 1930s | 96,934 | |
| 1940s | 116,894 | |
| 1950s | 166,010 | |
| 1960s | 169,446 | |
| 1970s | 143,484 | |
| 1980s ★ | 199,975 | |
| 1990s | 173,098 | |
| 2000s | 133,645 | |
| 2010s | 93,801 | |
| 2020s | 7,216 | |
What are good nicknames for Elizabeth?
DANISH
EliEliseEllaElseLillyLisLisaLisbetLiseLissi
DUTCH
BetjeEliseEllyElsElseElsjeIlseIsaLiesLieseLiesjeLisa
ENGLISH
BellaBelleBessBessieBethBetsyBetteBettieBettyBettyeBuffyElisaEliseElissaElizaEllaElleEllieEllyElsaElsieElyseIbbieIssyIzzyLeannaLeesaLianaLibbieLibbyLiddyLilianLilianaLilibetLilibethLilliaLillianLillianaLisaLiseLisetteLizLizaLizbethLizetteLizzieLizzyLysetteSabellaTetty
Famous people named Elizabeth
E(
Elizabeth (historical community leader)
Elizabeth led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
E(
Elizabeth (historical figure)
Elizabeth bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Elizabeth?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Elizabeth also consider these
How is Elizabeth written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Elizabeth
What does the name Elizabeth mean?
Elizabeth means "God is my oath" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Elizabeth?
Elizabeth is currently ranked #15 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Elizabeth?
Elizabeth originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Elizabeth?
Elizabeth is a four-syllable name pronounced IH0 L IH1 Z AH0 B AH0 TH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Elizabeth?
Elizabeth pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.